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Understanding NATO’s incursions
Looking for an exit strategy and failing to find an honourable way out, Nato and America have become desperate.
The writer is a retired army officer who served in Fata and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa [email protected]
In the aftermath of 9/11 and many events thereafter, Pakistan took a deliberate decision to cooperate with Nato forces that were eventually deployed to Afghanistan. That decision was, and continues to be, heavily criticised by many in Pakistan. The view of the naysayers is that it is an outright mistake and that instead of instantly acceding to American demands, we could have negotiated a better deal considering our geopolitical value. However, the reality at that time – and which many of the critics don’t remember – is that Pakistan was seen as part of the problem since it was thought to be the primary supporter of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which in turn had provided al Qaeda a safe haven.
That said, the reality from the point of view of the Americans, was that the US had no choice either. Though India had promptly offered its bases, they would not have been of any use. It was Pakistan’s support which was vital for Nato. Despite the agreement and our support, it would be fair to say that both Nato and America were always sceptical about our intentions and sincerity in the war on terror. Though correct to some extent, putting all the blame of failure on safe heavens in Fata was to not see the whole picture in proper perspective.
For seven years, Nato had been trying to control Afghanistan from Kabul, not realising that gone are the days when a central authority – such as the king – sitting in Kabul would be able to rule all of Afghanistan. The task before Nato was gigantic, yet for this only 60,000-odd troops were used. Kabul and some other major cities were taken over and this was seen as a major gain. The result was that the Taliban got breathing space, which they utilised to regroup and reorganise.
General David Petraeus was the commander on the ground at that time and he asked for additional troops in 2008. His request was turned down, in part because the-then Bush administration was concentrating on Iraq. However, this lack of focus on Afghanistan meant that Nato’s writ in Afghanistan was gradually reduced to only a few areas. This is not the way the war in Afghanistan should have been fought. America should have taken a closer look at the experience of Britain and the Soviet Union in the past.
Besides, little or no development activities were undertaken to make the life of Afghans better. An army which saw people dancing in front of their advancing tanks taking them as liberators, soon came to be seen as an occupation force. Frustrated by not seeing victory in the near future and cracks in its various alliances, America’s president made the fatal mistake of announcing a deadline for a withdrawal. That forced every stakeholder to secure its position in a post-Nato Afghanistan. The Taliban knew that it wouldn’t be long before they would again have a chance at regaining power. That is perhaps why this year has been so bloody, with the highest number of dead so far.
Looking for an exit strategy and failing to find an honourable way out, Nato and America have become desperate. America’s strategy, followed by the so-called surge in Iraq, has changed. The recent incursions by Nato helicopters inside Pakistan should not be seen as isolated, one-off incidents but quite possibly part of a plan to test Pakistan and its reaction. So far, the latter has been swift and widespread.
However, we must also realise that we are getting into a situation where we may again have to respond to America asking us whether we are with it or against it. And though the ground realties may have changed – or at least according to our perception — we have to avoid becoming another Cambodia. At the same time, Nato also has to reassess the causes of its failures, rather than putting all blame on Pakistan.
Published in the Express Tribune, October 8th, 2010.
Reader Comments (15)
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The decision to be an ally of NATO forces in Afghanistan was itself a blunder even if Pakistan at that time was seen as a part of the problem…we could have adopted any other comparatively less destructive strategy keeping in mind our own interests first rather jumping wholly and directly into someone else’s war…nowonder we are getting in return today what noxious seeds we sowed back in mushy’s regime!
This was bound to happen!!!Recommend
Kherat lagi batne,Bad Coordination Blamed for NATO Attack on Pakistanis
A joint NATO-Pakistan investigation has concluded that better cross-border coordination (cross-border Terrorism fom NATO and United States) could have avoided the incident last week in which a NATO helicopter crew based in Afghanistan fired on a Pakistani border post and killed two members of the Frontier Scouts. Pakistan had previously reported that three of its troops died and three were wounded, but the latest release says two were killed and four wounded.
http://profilefacts.blogspot.com/2010/10/karat-lagi-batnebad-coordination-blamed.htmlRecommend
khalid:
maybe it is a trial balloon…maybe the us is trying to tell kayani that if he does not tackle the hornet’s nest in north waziristan, then nato will…
desperate measures for desperate timesRecommend
A very well written article ,about the whole situationin the country as well as the neighbours The writer has full knowledge and information. But hope the concerning countries do understand and hope it does not become another cambodia.TheAmercans have to change their stretegy.As they are very desperate not knowing how to get out of this region.Recommend
I agree with writer’s analysis. In 2001 we had hardly any choice except for what we did at that point of time . Democratic Govts (like those of Nawaz Sharif) could seldom have the guts to withstand the US pressure. Rightly pointed out recently by ex-President Musharraf that he(Nawaz Sharif) was even against nuclear explosion in 1998 ( for which he proudly takes the credit now).
I appreciate the present govt’s reaction to the recent un called for NATO incursions and engaging Frontier Scout’s post.Recommend
Commendable article sir,
The stress in point here is the “post-NATO Afghanistan” …as if,im not mistaken, a couple of months back you had raised a similar issue with people ( including myself) mocking you.
Looking at the bigger picture now, i see where you were coming from, at that time.
Though being honest I still do not see a withdrawal of NATO forces for quite some time to come. As long as there are Afia’s and Faisal’s , this american occupation will be justified.
Pakistan, while it still has a chance, should be asking for more, in economic aid e.g. asking the US to make us a proper Economic Infrastructure and encourage foreign investment, no strings attached.
2001-2008 saw all the funds directed into personal pockets, and this is something this government has a chance to rectify.
Once again, a thought provoking article, very well written. Respect.Recommend
US is in Black mailing mode
it want to coerce Pakistan
this media leak strategy is to create strategic effects.
they are getting defeated and want to blame pakistan for their acts
No body told them to create imbalance between Pashtun Majority and Tajik minority.
historically speaking when ever Tajiks come to centre they try to take revenge from Pashtuns. Taliban movement in 90′s was result of Tajik brutalities against Pashtuns.
US supported NA and disturbed BOP between ethnicities and now it is blaming Pakistan for all the sins it committedRecommend
america is losing the war and putting the blame on Pakistan. It is time we say ….NO MORERecommend
Nato is testing Pakistan’s resolve, to what end? Do they plan to expand the theater of operations into fata? What becomes of their deadline then? And surely nato understands why Pakistan agreed to certain demands, to avoid a damaging full blown conflict. Which poses the question that if Pakistan allows incursions and attacks by Nato on it’s soil then what exactly did they gain by being nato allies? Does nato care about the untenable position it puts Pakistan in by expecting them to turn a blind eye to these attacks. Because if all we have to look forward to in a post nato Afghanistan are anti Pakistan taliban, with India as their new found ally and alienated tribes inside our own borders because we let nato bomb them, homegrown suicide bombers, turmoil in Waziristan and Baluchistan then why should the Pakistani army assist Nato at all. In effect they will be helping a cause counter to their own long term interests. Does nato understand that or perhaps they just don’t care, which, if it is the case once again brings into question Pak army’s support for Nato ops. Recommend
What made the author come to the conclusion that nato intends leaving Afghanistan. It has come for the natural resources and to have influence in Central Asia and finally to keep China under check. They will never leave. they have to be chased out. Taliban are doing a great job. Our Army must help taliban to get rid of these aliens. We must uderstand that liberation of kashmir is possible only if we have a Taliban government in Afghanistan.Recommend
A good analysis, which covers not only the background but also the an insight to the future.
When we talk of getting a better deal for us in joining the battle against the terrorist organizations operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, aid was the cheapest bargain to go for. Aid comes, is spent and the begging bowl is empty again.
Terrorism has its roots in those areas where there is poverty and lack of education. Ever since 9/11 I don’t see any improvement in either of these factors, rather I see a greater decline whose gradient is ever increasing and its effected areas are ever expanding.
Is the US blind when it sees corruption in Afghanistan and Pakistan and expects its stooges to be cheats in their home country and be very honest when looking after US interests.
Things are getting from bad to worst and it reminds me of a bitter chapter in the human history. When Rome was burning Nero was playing the flute. We have to ask our selves how many more Neros have to be born before we revolt against the decayed system, Recommend
A thought provoking text having many points to ponder on. Nevertheless, the prime cause of this confrontation is based on a a totally wrong decision of becoming America’s alliance without giving due consideration to the consequences. Geographically placed at a very important place, our past government underestimated the worth, and made a hasty and most ill planned decision.
How much more is there to suffer!!Recommend
Interesting perspective and a good analysis of why we are in the current situation. However, I don’t think that the latest incursions were aimed at testing Pakistan. If they were, they have proved to be a costly test. More likely, they were an error on the part of a 20 something helicopter pilot; not some grand scheme by US policy makers. Recommend
A correction……For General Petreaus read General McchrystalRecommend
According to Pakistan Drone attacks are a ignore,ignore. But, a manned Chopper attack is a No, No..
Fair enough.
But, if they play their cards too viciously then Pakistan will be considered giving air defence cover to the Taliban! Since, Taliban have the freedom to cross the Durand line and hit American interests but not the other way around. Recommend